Crossword Genius

Place first and last letter next to a square (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

plaza

'square' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'place first and last letter next to a' is the wordplay.
'place' becomes 'pl' (I've seen this in other clues).
'first and' becomes 'a' (1st letter of 'and').
'last letter' becomes 'z' (last letter of the alphabet).
'next to' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'pl'+'a'+'z'+'a'='PLAZA'

(Other definitions for plaza that I've seen before include "Town square (Sp.)" , "Shopping mall" , "Public square for pedestrians" , "Hotel" , "Public square - shopping centre" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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